How can you protect pollinators when spraying near flowering crops?

• A. Avoid spraying during bloom, use pesticides with lower pollinator risk, maintain buffer zones and follow label directions.
• B. Spray only during bloom and use the highest label rate.
• C. Use a broad-spectrum pesticide regardless of pollinator risk.
• D. Increase spray frequency near flowering to minimize exposure.

Answer: (A)

Protecting pollinators hinges on reducing their exposure through smart timing, careful product choice, and application practices. The best approach is to avoid spraying during bloom, choose pesticides labeled as lower risk to pollinators, and maintain buffer zones while strictly following the label directions. Following the label ensures you apply the product in the way it was tested and approved, including any restrictions during flowering and required drift barriers. Spraying during bloom or using the highest label rate increases bee exposure; using broad-spectrum products can harm a wide range of pollinators; and increasing spray frequency near flowering only adds to the exposure burden.